Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Notice: Do not use mineral or paraffin-base oil in the clutch hydraulic system. These fluids may damage the rubber parts in the cylinders.
When adding fluid to or refilling the system after service operations use DOT 3 brake fluid GM P/N 1052535 or the equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch
The clutch release system consists of the following components:
| • | A combined clutch master cylinder. |
| • | A reservoir. |
| • | A switch. |
| • | An actuator cylinder which is connected to the hydraulic tubing. |
With the depression of the clutch pedal, the clutch master cylinder becomes pressurized from the force of the push rod into the master cylinder. This forces the hydraulic fluid into the tubing from the master cylinder to the concentric slave cylinder. The slave cylinder then engages by pushing the release bearing into the diaphragm spring and releasing the clutch.
The clutch master cylinder is positioned through the cowl panel. the hydraulic tubing is routed from the clutch master cylinder to the concentric slave cylinder via a quick connect coupling. The concentric slave cylinder is located inside the transmission input bearing retainer.
For easier replacement of the hydraulic control system, remove the hydraulic tubing connecting the slave cylinder to the master cylinder from the internalized slave cylinder by engaging the quick connect coupling mounted through the transmission housing. This procedure allows the replacement of the hydraulic control system without having to gain access to the clutch system internal components.
The hydraulic clutch system provides automatic clutch adjustments, therefore an adjustment of the clutch linkage or the pedal position is not required. As the clutch disc wears, the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir will rise to accommodate for the extra fluid which is not required in the hydraulic system. A new system will have a completely filled reservoir, with the hydraulic fluid level at the top of the reservoir.
An electrical switch with two functions is located on the pushrod. The electrical switch serves as a clutch interlock to ensure that the engine does not start unless the clutch pedal is engaged (positioned on the floor). The second function of the electrical switch is to cut off the cruise control system (if the vehicle is so equipped) when the clutch pedal is engaged.
